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Nestled in the tranquil hills of West Bengal, the Darjeeling Zoo provides an excellent wildlife experience in the beautiful surroundings of the city. The zoo, known for its conservation efforts and extensive collection of Himalayan fauna, offers a unique opportunity to witness rare and endangered animals in natural surroundings. Its magnificent environment and diverse species make it a must-see destination for nature lovers and families. A visit to the Darjeeling Zoo guarantees an enriching and memorable day surrounded by the splendour of the Himalayas.
Quick Details About Darjeeling Zoo
Elevation: 7,000 ft above sea level
Darjeeling Zoo Timings: 8:30 A.M. – 4 P.M (Closed on Thursdays)
Darjeeling Zoo Ticket Price: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children ( Can vary )
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Location
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF / Wikimedia Commons
The Darjeeling Zoo is situated at an elevation of 2,134 metres (7,000 feet) in the picturesque town of Darjeeling. The zoo is conveniently located near the Darjeeling Mall and is easily accessible by road. Its strategic position offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The serene environment and lush greenery provide an ideal setting for the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Darjeeling
How To Reach
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Here’s everything you need to know about reaching Darjeeling Zoo:
By Road: The zoo is accessible by road from Darjeeling town centre, approximately 5 km away. Taxis and local transport options are readily available.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located about 70 km from Darjeeling. From the airport, taxis and shared cabs can be hired to reach Darjeeling.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, approximately 75 km from Darjeeling. From there, taxis or shared cabs can take you to Darjeeling.
Things To Do At Darjeeling Zoo
Here’s a detailed look at the exciting activities and attractions you can enjoy at Darjeeling Zoo.
1. Observe Rare Himalayan Fauna
Photo: Sandeep pai1986 / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling Zoo or Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the best place to see some of the rarest and most elusive Himalayan animals. This zoo is also famous for its breeding and in-situ conservation of animals like Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Himalayan Wolf. You can see such animals in their natural surroundings.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
2. Explore The Tibetan Yak Enclosure
Photo: mhtoori .com / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Tibetan Yak Enclosure in the Darjeeling Zoo gives you a glimpse into the lives of these tough and hardy animals. Yaks are an integral part of the Himalayan ecosystem and Tibetan culture. This enclosure is to mimic their natural habitat at high altitudes. Visitors can see yaks grazing and socialising on a rocky and grassy patch.
3. Enjoy The Scenic Surroundings
Photo: P. V. Abhishek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best part of visiting Darjeeling Zoo is the beautiful natural surroundings. Located in the green hills of Darjeeling, the views from this zoo are of the Himalayas and green landscapes. As you walk through the park, you get to see rolling hills, dense forests, and distant snow-capped peaks.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Darjeeling
Places To Visit Around Darjeeling Zoo
Some of the notable places to visit around Darjeeling Zoo include:
1. Tiger Hill
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Tiger Hill is the most famous and sought-after viewpoint in Darjeeling, particularly to watch the sunrise. Located at an altitude of 8,500 feet, Tiger Hill is a panoramic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, spanning from the Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The hill’s vantage point is especially famous for its sunrise views, where the early morning light casts a golden hue over the snow-capped peaks, forming a surreal and mesmerising landscape.
Things To Do: Sunrise viewing, photography
2. Batasia Loop
Photo: DEB ANUTOSH / Wikimedia Commons
Batasia Loop is an engineering spectacle and a beautiful tourist attraction 5 km away from the main town of Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has a spiral railway loop to assist the train in negotiating the gradients of the hill station. The famous part of this track is that it forms a ring, and trains pass through the loop in a circular manner. The Gorkha Lap has a war memorial dedicated to the Gorkha soldiers who served in different wars.
Things To Do: Toy Train ride, War Memorial visit
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3. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Photo: L Manju / Wikimedia Commons
The renowned Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling facilitates global peace and harmony. The pagoda is part of a global project to create Peace Pagodas, which includes over 80 structures focused on promoting peace and understanding among people. The monument is an architectural marvel with its beautiful white building studded with golden Buddha statues representing the Buddha’s life. The detailed sculptures and peaceful settings contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Things To Do: Meditation and prayer, cultural insights and exploration
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling offers you the archetypal colonial experience. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the hotel has a well-manicured garden as well as a restaurant that serves a range of local and international cuisine. Himalayan Resort has clean and comfortable rooms equipped with all the modern amenities, an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, and various recreational activities. Located close to the Darjeeling Zoo and surrounded by beautiful nature, this resort is also an ideal tourist spot.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Kunga Restaurant, located in the heart of Darjeeling, provides a delightful culinary experience that combines Tibetan and local cuisines.In addition to Tibetan specialties, the menu features a variety of Indian and Nepali meals to cater to a wide range of tastes. The Park Restaurant’s menu features a variety of Indian and Continental meals, ranging from rich curries and luscious grilled meats to fresh salads and pastas. The restaurant’s focus on utilising high-quality ingredients and serving well-crafted dishes guarantees a pleasant eating experience.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Bala1645 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a Darjeeling Zoo trip depends on accommodation, food, travel, and activities. Budget stay options are easily available from ₹1,500 to 3,000 per night, whereas the average luxury resort or hotel stay costs approximately ₹4,000 to 8,000 per night.
Tips For Travellers
- Visit the zoo early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the zoo covers a significant area.
- Carry water and snacks, especially if you plan to explore the zoo thoroughly.
- Respect the animals and follow the zoo’s guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit.
- If you have mobility issues, check for accessibility options like ramps and resting areas within the zoo.
- Visit the souvenir shop for memorabilia that supports the zoo’s conservation efforts.
- Do not feed the animals; they are on a specific diet to maintain their health.
- Dispose of trash properly to keep the environment clean and safe for the animals.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
Situated in the heart of the beautiful natural landscape of Darjeeling, the Darjeeling Zoo hosts a unique view of Himalayan wildlife amidst picturesque surroundings. With its wide variety of animals, strong conservation efforts, and picture-perfect surroundings, it ensures a rewarding experience for visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. Check out the detailed and riveting tour packages for a hassle-free visit with Trip XL to enjoy the sightseeing of wildlife in Darjeeling Zoo.
Cover Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
